News that Assumption Parish was slated for closure sent shockwaves through the community, but now there’s optimism the church can be saved.
Fundraising pledges increased over the weekend, that according to organizer Ed Agnew. He says pledges have reached over the $10 million mark – a goal that couldn’t be reached by two previous campaigns.
"We’re very grateful the community is coming forth in such short notice and maybe that's what the bishop wanted to do,” says Agnew. “Stimulate interest and stimulate the community to take immediate action."
On Friday, the Diocese of London announced the tentative closure of Assumption Church. In a statement, Bishop Ronald Fabbro said the decision to close the parish is a direct result of growing repair costs.
In 2007, Assumption Parish needed $9.8 million for restoration repairs. That cost increased in 2012, when a re-assessment estimated repairs at $15 million.
Two previous fundraising campaigns roped in roughly $7 million in pledges, but it wasn’t enough.
“Since the restoration required is comprehensive, and so many items are tied to each other, a partial restoration would still result in a church that would need to be further restored or closed in the next 10 to 15 years, or sooner,” Fabbro stated.
Now Agnew and his fundraising committee is working on documentation to satisfy the bishop and Diocese of London that the money has been raised and is ready to go.
On Tuesday, the diocese wouldn’t commit to keeping Assumption open, but spokesperson Mark Adkinson says the diocese will perform some due diligence on the pledges in the coming weeks.
If the diocese decision goes unchanged, the parish will close effective Nov. 3, with parishioners being relocated to Holy Name of Mary Church. The current minister, Fr. William Riegel will be relieved of his duties upon closure and moved to a new location.
The final masses will take place on the weekend of Nov. 1.
